Chris Kerth, professor in the College of Agriculture's Department of Animal Sciences, has received an honor in recognition of his services as an educator.
American Meat Science Association bestows its Distinguished Teaching Award annually and has extended it to one of Auburn's own this year.
A fellow faculty member nominated Kerth for the award. The nomination was then reviewed by a panel of meat scientists.
Kerth's reception of the award at the AMSA Reciprocal Meat Conference in Rogers, Ark., is a reflection of his high esteem, both at Auburn and nationally.
"Dr. Kerth is an outstanding teacher in the Department of Animal Sciences," said Wayne Greene, professor and department head. "His students in his classroom are very successful in finding positions within the meat science field upon graduation."
The award is given on the basis of exceptional performance as an instructor and adviser, as well as influence on students and on curricula.
"He has trained a large number of grad students who are now leaders in industry across the country," Greene said. "Because of faculty like Dr. Kerth, this department is well recognized."
Kerth has been at Auburn since 1999. His research in his time at the University has included work in the development of the muscle foods degree option for undergraduates.
"Chris is one of our finest faculty members in the College of Agriculture," said Richard Guthrie, the college's dean. "Though he has been chosen for this outstanding award in meat science, he was also recently awarded a Fulbright fellowship to Uruguay in an internationally-funded study program."
Kerth has also created the Auburn University Meat Science Association during his tenure. This group supports study abroad experiences for students through catering events which have raised more than $200,000.
"I've had an extremely special, very good group of graduate and undergraduate students that I've worked with in the 10-plus years that I've been at Auburn," Kerth said. "Because they thought enough of me to give me the award, I feel as though I need to strive to be worthy of it."
Kerth also has a research program that focuses on pasture-raised beef.
"He is obviously an excellent faculty member," Guthrie said. "These awards and rewards are well deserved."
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